Modern architecture, in its early days, was based on innovative technologies of construction and a rejection of ornament, which established the use of straight lines in building design. However, thanks to the plasticity of concrete and other materials, new patterns began to emerge, resulting in more organic and curvy lines.
Whether for visual effects or more technical reasons such as better adjusting to the terrain, curved elements certainly provide a unique perception of the space, both from the outside and from the inside. We have listed here seven contemporary Brazilian houses that stand out for using this feature.
In the Boipeba House, designed by daarchitectes, the plasticity of the concrete allowed for a more organic layout that creates a more subtle dialogue with the surrounding natural landscape.
The architectural program of the Sapucaí-Mirim House, by APBA - Arquiteto Paulo Bastos e Associados, is organized in three blocks at ground level, adopting curved plans that articulate the spaces through passages that are sometimes open and sometimes closed, spreading the buildings throughout the terrain to make the most of the amazing landscape.
For the House in Gonçalves, by André Vainer Arquitetos, the main goal was to preserve the original contour lines of the terrain and optimize cut & fill earthwork, hence the slightly curved shape.
The architectural firm Obra Arquitetos has two outstanding residential projects that adopt curved lines to improve the quality of life for their residents. The LEnS House features an inner courtyard that allows visual contact between the rooms, bringing residents closer to each other. A curved glass panel creates a seamless view of this patio, allowing the residents to enjoy nature and the changing seasons.
The second example is the LLF House, which features a winding flat roof that covers the laundry area, garage, and living spaces, all of which are open to the outside. This element, together with a few structural walls, creates an open space for cooking, living, and relaxation, with no strict boundaries, so that users can enjoy the environment with freedom, spaciousness, and maximum interaction between all spaces.
The Cauman House by Estúdio BRA required a garden that could be used as a space for musical presentations. To highlight this area, the house is covered by a flat roof with straight outside edges and an organically shaped hole in the center. This creates a transition between the garden, which has a fluid and organic design, and the upper floor, consisting of a clearly man-made white cube with rectangular windows.
Finally, Mareines Arquitetura + Patalano Arquitetura created the Pinhão House inspired by pine seeds, which stands out for its welcoming sinuosity that seems to weave through the trees and winds. The inhabitants are embraced by ramps instead of staircases, and sculptural passages instead of corridors, transforming the sensorial experience with each step.
Editor's note: the project descriptions are based on the texts provided by the authors.
